Judge Judy Sentences Man to Death
On Monday, Fox announced the relocation of its hit courtroom series, Judge Judy, from weekdays at 4 pm to the coveted 9 pm time slot. This decision followed a controversial ruling on last Thursday’s show when Judge Judy sentenced a Los Angeles resident to death.
Jermaine Wilson, 36, was brought to court by Wanda Little, 42, after he allegedly rear-ended her 1989 Toyota Corolla while attempting to park outside a local Dunkin’ Donuts. Wilson is said to have fled the scene without leaving a note, but, according to authorities, DNA tests performed on hair samples found outside the store have yielded a positive identification. Little sued Wilson for $900 (the estimated cost of her vehicle + mechanic’s fees) and $10,000 for pain and suffering. Judge Judy sided with the plaintiff, but originally decided that Wilson would only be responsible for paying $900, rather than the full $10,900. She expected Wilson’s relief upon hearing the verdict, but was instead met with contempt.
In a fiery outburst, Wilson berated Judge Judy, hurling bitter insults such as “dumb judge” and “stupid lady” in her direction. This was too much for Fox’s no-nonsense judge to take, and in a surprising twist of events, Judge Judy sentenced Wilson to death. Shock seized the courtroom as the show went to commercial break. Fox executives were initially horrified by Judge Judy’s extreme sentence, but their misgivings soon gave way to approval as the ratings began to roll in. Viewership for Friday’s episode (the day following the death sentence) more than quadrupled! Harold Couch, 62, a devoted fan of Judge Judy, responded positively to the sentence: “I think she made the right move,” Couch said. “It’s high time we get scum like [Wilson] off the streets!”
The surge in ratings and the expanded fan-base has led Fox entertainment executive, Sandy McKaw, to uphold Wilson’s sentence: “The viewers have spoken. Wilson chose a life of crime, and now he has to do the time.” McKaw also announced Judge Judy’s new prime time location, a move that was necessary due to the show’s new “edgy” format. Wilson plans to appeal Judge Judy’s decision, but in the meantime, Fox has given her official permission to continue to apply the death sentence as she sees fit.
